Reaching Vulnerable Populations in Peru

By Bella DiFilippo*

In mid-March 2017, Peru experienced torrential rainfall, swelling the rivers and causing flash floods and landslides. Much of the northern and western region of the country was impacted. After the disaster, 748 counties were declared to be in a state of emergency. According to ReliefWeb.net, it is estimated that the floods and landslides have killed at least 85 people and have displaced more than 150,000 individuals. More than 200,000 homes have been damaged and much of the infrastructure across the affected region is still in need of substantial repair.

Peru and surrounding countries are still at risk for more rain, linked to the Coastal El Niño weather phenomenon, which is a result of rising temperatures in the Pacific Ocean due to climate change. With the projected amount of damage totaling to about $3 billion (USD), the government of Peru has called for international aid.

INFOGRAPHIC: WEN CHEN

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) recently approved a grant for $100,000 to fund DIACONIA Peru’s project in the Ancash province of Peru. The project’s goal is to reach vulnerable populations and establish normalization for those impacted by the floods and landslides. These goals will be accomplished by providing water filters, food vouchers, and kitchen kits. The project implemented by DIACONIA Peru will also provide equipment for community cleanup and vector fumigation. This project aims to directly benefit 2,783 individuals living in affected communities.